Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Yes we have free cancellation policies up to one month in prior of time, (bank transaction cost
may apply) less than a month cancellation is makes some cost rise already as we book hotels,
flights, guides, transportation & other arrangements.

It’s sometimes the case that trekkers finish ahead of schedule or they end up stopping the trek
early for health or personal reasons. If this is the case please understand that we cannot offer any
refunds for unused days on the trek. Please understand that our costs are the same as we have an
obligation to pay our guides and porters for the time they have committed.

It varies. Mobile coverage is expanding around the world rapidly, and the Himalayas are no
different… did you know that 3G coverage is available all over Mount Everest? There is no
guarantee of uninterrupted coverage, however. Most trekking routes feature local VHF phones &
basic Wifi facilities, but on the more remote trails a satellite phone is the only the options.

Our treks are all-inclusive. We cover accommodation, food, park fees, permits, and many other
costs, as a means of making your adventure as stress-free and convenient as possible.. Travelers
generally bring a small amount of pocket money to cover bottled water, snacks, or tea beyond
your included meals, souvenirs, tips, or donations to monasteries along the route (if you are
inclined to give one). Trekkers find that around $20 a day is reasonable for these extras.

While not mandatory, tipping is customary and always appreciated in Nepal and on our treks.
Your guides and porters will tremendously appreciate a small gratuity at the end of your trek, as
these little extras go a long way towards helping their families. Tipping is a great way to show
your appreciation for the team's hard work and devoted attention to your happiness.

Comfortable, sturdy trekking shoes or boots are a must. Ideally your footwear will have Gore-
Tex or similar lining, along with thick soles. This will ensure that your feet stay warm and dry,
and that you are comfortable walking on rocky paths. Wool socks are recommended instead of
cotton, and these too should be thick and warm.

Your specific trek and the time of year during which you depart will greatly impact your packing
list. A recommended outline of clothing and equipment is listed with each trek. In general, a
down jacket, a warm fleece jacket, thermal underwear, trekking pants and shorts, and sturdy
boots are recommended to wear, and a thermal sleeping bag, backpack, and camera are
recommended for your kit. If you take any medication, this should obviously be a packing
priority. Utilize common sense – you don't want to end up short-handed on the mountain, but
over packing is undesirable. It's worth noting that just about anything you need in the way of trekking clothing and/or equipment can be purchased or rented in Kathmandu when you first
arrive.

We ensure the travel safety of all our trekking guests, both male and female. Nepal, on the
whole, is both very safe and welcoming of foreign visitors. We have longstanding, strong
relationships with the lodges we frequent, and know them to be safe and reliable. In addition our

guides are consistently mindful of all guests' whereabouts while trekking. We travel in small
groups, all the better to easily maintain continual contact.

We take all possible precautions to proactively ensure the safety and wellness of our trekkers, but
rest assured that our guides are trained and experienced in dealing with emergencies. Each guide
is trained in first aid. In the case of altitude sickness, you will immediately be taken to a lower
altitude. If necessary, your guide will utilize your travel insurance information to call a rescue
helicopter, and you will be flown to Kathmandu or Pokhara for medical attention.

It may seem counter-intuitive, but your skin is in more danger of sun damage on the mountains
than while at the beach! The sun's intensity increases dramatically as we rise in altitude, and
fresh snow reflects exponentially more UV rays than does the sand. You will need to protect
your skin with clothing and sunblock. A sunblock specifically for mountain conditions is
recommended. If you wear prescription eyeglasses its recommend that you get your prescription
fitted to sunglasses.

At higher altitudes – the kind we experience frequently on our treks- your cardiac and pulmonary
systems are affected by lower oxygen density. Our bodies must adjust to the mountain elevation
gradually, or we can become ill. Physical symptoms can range from general breathing difficulties
all the way to acute mountain sickness (altitude sickness, caroche, or “the bends”). To avoid
altitude-related maladies, we pace our treks appropriately and incorporate acclimatization days
throughout the itinerary. There are points throughout many treks during which trekkers may
choose to either tackle additional hikes/day trips or rest and relax as their bodies demand.

Good overall fitness, flexibility, and healthy will ensure you trek safely and comfortably. Those
with acute or chronic health conditions impacting their stamina, range of motion, coordination,
or balance may have difficulty completing the trek. If you are in doubt about your own physical
readiness, consult a physician well in advance of booking your trip! General hiking experience
and comfort with the idea of multi-day hiking will also ensure you are 100% ready to trek!

The most frequently-traveled Himalayan circuits feature lodges and guesthouses. Continental
menus are generally available, along with soups and dishes of noodles or rice. Other routes will
include more limited choices. On the most remote routes, only traditional Dal Bhat, curry, or
instant noodle soups will be available.

Bottled water is available everywhere on established trekking routes, and most villages on the
way will have locally-purified water as well. The teahouses or camping crew will supply boiled
water for drinking.

Camping trekking involves sleeping in tents. We provide you with full board on these treks, with
meals being prepared by professional trekking cooks in a mobile camp equipped with a kitchen
and adequate support staff.

Unless you signed up for a camping trip specifically, most treks include lodge or guest house
accommodation. A small minority of trekking areas may not have lodges available, and
accommodation in these places will involve sleeping in tents.

Trekkers generally walk four to six hours a day. That's between five and fifteen kilometers
depending on trail conditions and the state of the weather.

Most of our Himalayan treks range from two to four weeks.

Again, it depends on your specific trek. Some trekking areas require a special permit for
trekking, while as others require only permits to enter conservation or national parks. Most
require a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card. We handle all permits for
you, so you have one less thing to worry about!

The best times for trekking the Himalayas are February to May, and then September to
December. Unless you are trekking in rain & shadow areas such as the Upper Mustang, trekking
during monsoon season is going to be a very wet event. Winter isn’t the optimal trekking season
either, as very cold temperatures and heavy snowfall may impede crossings of high passes (treks
that maintain lower elevations are accessible year-round).

Travel insurance is mandatory and obtaining for the days you are trekking is your responsibility.
We suggest World Nomads as it covers Helicopter and medical evacuation up to 6000m. Some
standard policies only cover up to 4000 meters for evacuation so please confirm with your
insurance company if you purchase it from another company. If you get to Nepal and don't have
insurance already we can help you purchase it for a reasonable price before you start the trek.

In theory, no. Anyone with robust cardiovascular capability and good stamina should be able to
cope with higher elevations and lower oxygen density. Trekking or hiking experience anywhere
in the world is strongly recommended for maximum enjoyment of your Himalayan adventure,
however.

It depends on the specific trek, and, to some extent, on the preferences of those trekking. We
offer all sorts of treks, ranging from easy to difficult.

Nepali law requires that children under age 18 are accompanied by a parent or guardian while
trekking. There's no upper limit on our adventures, as long as participants are healthy and
willing!

Why is a guide necessarily? I’ve trekked/hiked/camped before – can’t I guide myself?
While it is not a legal requirement, we cannot overstate the importance of trekking with a
licensed, experienced guide. You’ll be traveling through wilderness, remote countryside, and
high elevations – from an aspect of pure safety, it is highly dangerous to go it alone. Additionally,
very few locals in Himalayan villages speak English. Should you get lost (and, with many paths
crossing through many, many villages, this is more a likelihood than a possibility), it would be
difficult to communicate directions or obtain food and shelter. Additionally, our guides are
experts in Himalayan treks with highly trekking experience. No matter how confident you feel in
your skills or knowledge, it is almost certain that we can help enhance your experience.

Trekking is an adventure! For the uninitiated, this active pursuit involves lengthy, multi-day
walks and climbs on villages and park trails. The terrain is usually fairly steep, and we will likely
encounter snow at higher altitudes (those above 5,500m/18,000ft).